Abstract
Objective: The authors wish to provide limited data on the differences in exposure to the anterior and posterior sides of the fingers of nuclear medicine technologists during the performance of typical clinical nuclear medicine activities.
Methods: For a 16-month period, two ring badges were worn on the dominant hand with the sensitive portion turned in opposite directions so that radiation exposure could be monitored to both the anterior (palmar) and the posterior sides of the finger.
Results: The accumulated data, although limited, indicate that there is equal or greater exposure to the posterior side of the finger in routine clinical nuclear medicine practice.
Conclusion: Since there were no previously published data and our limited information suggests equal or greater exposure to the posterior side of the finger, additional studies should be performed to measure exposure to the hands. This would also provide data to evaluate the appropriateness of current radiation safety practices and regulatory interpretations.
